so i ordered http://www.darkswordminiatures.com/gallery/V_femalepaladin.htm from Dark Sword and I wasn't really thinking about it at the time because it doesn't mention it but it's pretty obvious that the sword and shield come as separate pieces that you attach. If i had fully realized this i would have asked BEFORE i ordered it but it's my fault for not paying attention. Anyway, I did order it and recieved it fine but how do I attach these pieces? I've just recently gotten into model painting so I'm not very familiar with a lot of things I'm sure most people think nothing of. I did notice some substance was used on the model's page but I'm not sure what it is.

Good ol' Super Glue is what you use.

You will need an Xacto knife to carefully clean/trim the piece along with the rest of the mini.

You will then use Super Glue (common like you would get from Home Depot or something a little exotic like you can get from a local hobby store)to glue any pieces on.

There are tons of various brands out there for Super Glue.

Regards,

Jim
www.DarkSwordMiniatures.com

thank you, i thought super glue might work but i wasn't entirely sure... so i thought i would check first. i just kind of jumped into miniatures lol i didn't really plan it out, so i haven't done a lot of research like i know i should, but i like to learn things as i go, if i read about it first i usually forget and do it wrong or just end up asking anyway lol i had been wanting to get into them for a while and one day i just bought one and ordered some paints and there ya go lol

If you use a superglue, a gap-filling variety like Zap-a-gap comes in handy when the 2 parts don't necessarily have that much metal-on-metal contact, as regular superglues can sometimes form weak bonds in those situations. One solution is to do a little work with a file so the parts join up as flush as possible. A 2-part epoxy is another option that will handle gaps easily (occasionally, if you're lucky, even removing the need to run a bead of green stuff putty along the join line to get that seamless look) and always forms a strong bond, but it doesn't flow as well (more of an issue if you get into pinning*) or bond as quickly (hint: embedding both parts - though not up to right where they join - in a container of sand is a great way to hold the parts in place while the epoxy cures), and you have a bit more sticky mess to deal with (ie. mixing the 2 gooey parts, not that superglued-together fingertips/eyelids can't be messy). IMO both types have a place in a miniaturist's arsenal, but the superglue is probably the more popular option.

* Pinning is almost a must when attaching large and heavy parts (like a dragon's wings), or to a slightly lesser degree when you are attaching a part that seems likely to be used as a handle, or that might easily get bumped into frequently on the game table. I've had enough parts fall off of minis on me over the years that I now pin pretty much every part I can, but truly it is an optional step - since you say you're new to minis, you may want to hold off a bit until you know whether you're going to stick with it. If you're interested, you should be able to find a decent pin vise with a few micro-drill bits at any good hobby store, or else online. IIRC mine - the swivelling hexagonal palm-end type - cost me about $7 Cdn and came with a small selection of bits. The only other thing needed is the pins - I use paperclips; some favour brass rods or even guitar strings. Here is a tutorial for the best pinning method I have come across, at least in my opinion, to give you an idea of what is involved.

Happy assembling!

Jeff